Across Palestine, preparations are well underway for the forthcoming Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha which is celebrated following the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca - known as the 'Hajj'.

Central to the feast is the sacrifice of an animal which should then be shared three ways - between immediate family, friends and the poor. This sacrifice symbolises Prophet Abraham's ('Nabi Ibrahim' in Arabic) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in accordance with God's demand.

Demand is high for animals for the festival, and in order to meet these demands livestock markets are open daily across Palestine in the final days leading up to Eid al-Adha.

In the Ramallah district, farmers from the area's villages bring their livestock to the main market in al-Bireh to be sold.

The market becomes a cacophony of sound and activity as straying animals are chased and seemingly never-ending and very lively price negotiations take place. For many people, the market seems as much a social event as a place of business.

Before 7am the market is already filling up with farmers and prospective buyers (Rich Wiles/MEE)

Price negotiations are extensive but carried out with good humour (Rich Wiles/MEE)

Outside of holiday periods, the market is open only twice weekly (Rich Wiles/MEE)

A farmer chases one of his sheep that has strayed from the flock (Rich Wiles/MEE)